Brassiere

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a brassiere comprising: left and right bust sections, each comprising a top section and a bottom section; a rear member having a first end and a second end and configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between the first end and the second end; left and right shoulder straps connecting the top section of each of the left and right bust sections to the first end of the rear member; a chest band connecting the bottom section of each of the left and right bust sections to the second end of the rear member; and first and second adjustment mechanisms for adjusting a length of the chest band. The first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first and second sides of the second end of the rear member. Also disclosed is a kit comprising a brassiere and a plurality of cup inserts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/EP2019/074513, filed Sep. 13, 2019 which claims priority to UKApplication No. GB 1815037.5, filed Sep. 14, 2018 (granted Sep. 30, 2020as GB2577116), under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a). Each of the above referencedpatent applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to brassieres, also known as bras. Inparticular, the present invention relates to adjustable bras, such asadjustable sports bras.

Description of the Related Technology

It has been shown that not undertaking regular exercise can have adetrimental effect of mental and physical health. There is therefore ageneral interest in increasing the number of people participating inregular physical activity.

Participation levels of females taking part in regular physical activitydeclines rapidly during their teenage years. Up to half of girls stopplaying sport when they reach puberty, which can lead to a lifetime ofinactivity and thus associated health issues. As such, it is desirableto encourage female teenagers to continue participation in sport as theymature to adulthood. Studies have shown that females are discouragedfrom exercising for a number of reasons, including body image concerns,discomfort and embarrassment. In particular, up to half of girls saythat their breasts are affecting their participation in sport andexercise.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda brassiere comprising: left and right bust sections, each comprising atop section and a bottom section; a rear member having a first end and asecond end and configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distancebetween the first end and the second end; left and right shoulder strapsconnecting the top section of each of the left and right bust sectionsto the first end of the rear member; a chest band connecting the bottomsection of each of the left and right bust sections to the second end ofthe rear member; and first and second adjustment mechanisms foradjusting a length of the chest band. The first and second adjustmentmechanisms are positioned on respective first and second sides of thesecond end of the rear member.

Optionally, the second end of the rear member comprises one or morechannels, and the chest band is configured to pass freely through theone or more channels to connect the chest band to the second end of therear member.

Optionally, the chest band comprises left and right portions extendingfrom the respective left and right bust sections to the second end ofthe rear member. A free end of the left portion of the chest band may beconfigured to pass through a first channel of the one or more channels,fold back on a remainder of the left portion of the chest band, andreleasably attach to the remainder of the left portion of the chest bandto provide the first adjustment mechanism. A free end of the rightportion of the chest band may be configured to pass through a secondchannel of the one or more channels, fold back on a remainder of theright portion of the chest band, and releasably attach to the remainderof the right portion of the chest band to provide the second adjustmentmechanism.

Optionally, at least one of the first and second adjustment mechanismsprovides adjustment of the length of the chest band in discreteintervals.

Optionally, the left portion of the chest band comprises a firstplurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remainder of the leftportion of the chest band, and a first engagement device at the free endof the left portion of the chest band for engaging with any one of thefirst plurality of engagers, and the right portion of the chest bandcomprises a second plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on theremainder of the right portion of the chest band, and a secondengagement device at the free end of the right portion of the chest bandfor engaging with any one of the second plurality of engagers.

Optionally, each of the first plurality of engagers is a receiver thatis configured to receive and retain the first engagement device, andeach of the second plurality of engagers is a receiver that isconfigured to receive and retain the second engagement device.Optionally, each of the first and second engagement devices comprises aswan hook, and the first and second pluralities of engagers comprisepockets to receive the respective swan hook.

Optionally, the left and right bust sections are joined by a releasablefastener. Optionally, the releasable fastener comprises a lockingmechanism. Optionally, the releasable fastener comprises a zip.

Optionally, the rear member comprises a slider for adjusting the lengthof the rear member.

Optionally, the left and right shoulder straps are adjustable in length.

Optionally, the chest band comprises elastic or is elasticallydeformable.

Optionally, each of the left and right bust sections comprises a wickingmaterial.

Optionally, the brassiere is a sports brassiere.

Optionally, each of the left and right bust sections is configured toreceive a cup insert. Optionally, each of the left and right bustsections comprises an inner lining comprising an opening to receive thecup insert.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda kit comprising: a brassiere according to the first aspect of thepresent invention, and a plurality of cup inserts for insertion in thebust sections of the brassiere. The plurality of cup inserts are ofdifferent sizes.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following description of preferred embodiments of theinvention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a sports bra according to an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the sports bra of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention aim to provide a bra suitable for pubescentfemales. The female body goes through many changes during this time oflife, including increases in height, chest circumference and bust size.These changes take place at different times and at different rates,meaning it can be difficult to find suitable and comfortable clothing,particularly for sports. Some embodiments of the present inventionprovide a bra with adjustability in a plurality of directions.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a sports bra 1 according to an embodimentof the present invention. The sports bra 1 comprises a left bust section10 and a right bust section 20, which are configured to cover therespective left and right sides of the bust of the wearer in use. Insome embodiments, the left and right bust sections 10, 20 extend atleast partially around the respective left and right sides of the wearerin use. The left and right bust sections 10, 20 may be configured toengage with the bust of the user, and may be configured to support thebust in use.

The left and right bust sections 10, 20 are connected to each other. Insome embodiments, the left and right bust sections 10, 20 are releasablyconnected to each other by a releasable fastener 30, which allows thesports bra 1 to be secured in position from the front. Provision of thereleasable fastener 30 at the front of the sports bra 1 allows foradjustment of the sports bra 1 prior to the user putting the sports bra1 on, rather than having to adjust the sports bra 1 whilst wearing thesports bra 1, which may be awkward. The releasable fastener 30 allowsthe user to quickly put on the sports bra 1 or take off the sports bra1, without having to release or adjust any adjustment mechanismcomprised in the sports bra 1. The sports bra 1 can therefore be left inthe preferred adjusted configuration until the user wants to change thefit.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the releasable fastener 30 comprisesa zip 32. A first portion 33 of the zip 32 is fixedly attached to theleft bust section 10 and a co-operable second portion 34 of the zip 32is fixedly attached to the right bust section 20. In other embodiments,by way of example only, the releasable faster 30 may instead comprise asnap fastening, a hook and loop system such as Velcro®, or one or morebuttons.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the releasable fastener 30 comprisesa locking mechanism 36 configured to prevent premature opening of thezip 32. For example, a lever may be provided to impede opening of thezip 32 when the lever is in a locked position. Such a locking mechanism36 may help to increase the confidence of the wearer in the sports bra1, without requiring a complicated releasable fastener 30.

In some embodiments, the releasable fastener 30 comprises an innerlining (not shown) to help protect the wearer from experiencingdiscomfort caused by contact between the releasable fastener 30 and thewearer's skin. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the zip 32 comprises aninner lining (not shown) extending along the length of the zip 32 on theinner side of the sports bra 1.

In other embodiments, the left and right bust sections 10, 20 may bepermanently connected to one another. For example, the left and rightbust sections 10, 20 may be formed from one piece of material. Forexample, the left and right bust sections 10, 20 may be adhered ormechanically connected (e.g. sewn) together.

Each of the left and right bust sections 10, 20 comprises a top section12, 22 and a bottom section 14, 24. The top section 12 of the left bustsection 10 is connected to a first end 42 of a left shoulder strap 40,and the top section 22 of the right bust section 20 is connected to afirst end 52 of a right shoulder strap 50. The left and right shoulderstraps 40, 50 are configured, in use, to extend over the shoulders fromthe front to the rear of the body of the wearer. In some embodiments,the lengths of the left and right shoulder straps 40, 50 areindependently adjustable, for example by a sliding mechanism (notshown).

The bottom sections 14, 24 of the left and right bust sections 10, 20are connected to a chest band 60. In use, the chest band 60 encirclesthe chest of the wearer below the bust. In some embodiments, the chestband 60 comprises elastic or is elastically deformable. In someembodiments, the chest band 60 comprises a polyamide, such as nylon,and/or a polyurethane, such as spandex or elastane. In some embodiments,the chest band 60 comprises rubber or latex. In some embodiments, thechest band 60 comprises material which, when subjected to a weight of500 g, stretches by between 15% and 80%. In some embodiments, the chestband 60 comprises material which, when subjected to a weight of 500 g,stretches by between 35% and 55%. Such a material enables the chest band60 to conform to the shape of the wearer to provide support and a snugfit, without inhibiting movement of the wearer. In some embodiments, thechest band 60 has a width of 15 mm to 80 mm For example, the chest band60 may have a width of approximately 40 mm.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the sports bra 1 of FIG. 1. The sports bra 1comprises a rear member 70 having first and second ends 72, 74 andconfigured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between thefirst and second ends 72, 74. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, therear member 70 is continuously adjustable within a defined range ofadjustment, for example by a sliding mechanism 76. In other embodiments,by way of example only, the rear member 70 may be adjustable by a hookand loop system such as Velcro®. In some embodiments, the rear member 70is adjustable in discrete increments. Adjustment of the rear member 70can help to improve the comfort of the sports bra 1 following anincrease in height of the wearer.

The first end 72 of the rear member 70 is connected to a second end 44of the left shoulder strap 40 and a second end 54 of the right shoulderstrap 50. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the second end 44 ofthe left shoulder strap 40 is connected to the second end 54 of theright shoulder strap 50. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, theleft shoulder strap 40 and the right shoulder strap 50 merge at theirrespective second ends 44, 54, so that the second ends 44, 54 are acommon second end. In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 40, theright shoulder strap 50 and the rear member 70 are formed from a singlepiece of material.

The second end 74 of the rear member 70 is connected to the chest band60. In some embodiments, the rear member 70 is fixedly attached to thechest band 60. For example, the rear member 70 may be adhered ormechanically attached (e.g. sewn) to the chest band 60. In otherembodiments, the rear member 70 is movably connected to the chest band60. For example, in this embodiment the second end 74 of the rear member70 comprises a first hoop 80 defining a first channel and a second hoop82 defining a second channel, and the chest band 60 freely passesthrough the first and second channels. The hoops 80, 82 are depicted asflattened loops in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the hoops 80, 82 may beany other shape suitable for connecting the rear member 70 to the chestband 60. In some other embodiments, one or each of the hoops 80, 82 maybe replaced by another member defining a channel, such as a U-shaped ora C-shaped member.

The sports bra 1 comprises first and second adjustment mechanisms foradjusting a length of the chest band 60. This can help to accommodate anincrease in chest circumference of a wearer. Providing first and secondadjustment mechanisms as opposed to a single adjustment mechanismincreases the available range of adjustment in the length of the chestband 60, thus increasing the amount of growth of the wearer that thesame sports bra 1 can accommodate. In some embodiments, the length ofthe chest band 60 can be adjusted by up to 5 inches via the first andsecond adjustment mechanisms. The first and second adjustment mechanismsare positioned on respective first and second sides 78, 79 of the secondend 74 of the rear member 70. The rear member 70 is thus located betweenthe first and second adjustment mechanisms. This allows even or unevenadjustment of the chest band 60 on either side of the rear member 70, asmay be required to help maintain alignment of the left and right bustsections 10, 20 with the bust.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the chest band 60comprises a left portion 61 extending from the left bust section 10 tothe second end 74 of the rear member 70, and a right portion 65extending from the right bust section 20 to the second end 74 of therear member 70. In some embodiments, the left and right portions 61, 65comprise respective bands. In some embodiments, such as thatillustrated, the free end 62 of the left portion 61 of the chest band 60passes through the first channel defined by the first hoop 80 and isfolded back on a remainder of the left portion 61 of the chest band 60in use. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the free end 66of the right portion 65 of the chest band 60 passes through the secondchannel defined by the second hoop 82 and is folded back on a remainderof the right portion 65 of the chest band 60. In the illustratedembodiment, free ends 62, 66 of the respective left and right portions61, 65 of the chest band 60 are releasably attached to the remainders ofthe left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest band 60 to provide therespective first and second adjustment mechanisms.

The first and second adjustment mechanisms may provide continuousadjustment of the length of the chest band 60 within a defined range ofadjustment. In some embodiments, the first and second adjustmentmechanisms may comprise a hook and loop system such as Velcro®. Forexample, the left and right free ends 62, 66 may each comprise aplurality of hooks on a surface facing the remainder of the respectiveleft and right portion 61, 65 of the chest band 60, and the remainder ofthe respective left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest band 60 eachcomprise a plurality of loops on a surface facing the respectiveplurality of hooks. In other embodiments, the locations of the hooks andloops may be reversed.

In some embodiments, the first and second adjustment mechanisms provideadjustment of the length of the chest band 60 in discrete intervals.This can be advantageous compared to continuous adjustment because thediscrete intervals may help to ensure even adjustment of the chest band60 on either side of the rear member 70. For example, the firstadjustment mechanism may comprise a first plurality of engagers 63arranged at, e.g. regular, intervals on the remainder of the leftportion 61 of the chest band 60, and a first engagement device 64 at thefree end 62 of the left portion 61 of the chest band 60 for engagingwith any one of the first plurality of engagers 63. In this embodiment,each of the first plurality of engagers 63 is a receiver configured tobe able to receive and retain the first engagement device 64. The secondadjustment mechanism may comprise a second plurality of engagers 67arranged at, e.g. regular, intervals on the remainder of the rightportion 65 of the chest band 60, and a second engagement device 68 atthe free end 66 of the second portion 65 of the chest band 60 forengaging with any one of the second plurality of engagers 67. In thisembodiment, each of the second plurality of engagers 67 is a receiverconfigured to be able to receive and retain the second engagement device68.

Each of the first and second plurality of engagers 63, 67 may comprise,by way of example only: a loop, a pocket, a hole, or a first part of atwo-part snap fastener. By way of example only, each of the first andsecond engagement devices 64, 68 may comprise: a hook, a button, or asecond part of a two-part snap fastener.

In use, the first engagement device 64 engages one of the firstplurality of engagers 63. Engaging the first engagement device 64 in thefurthest of the first plurality of engagers 63 from the rear member 70provides the tightest configuration of the first adjustment mechanism.In use, the second engagement device 68 engages one of the secondplurality of engagers 67. Engaging the second engagement device 68 inthe furthest of the second plurality of engagers 67 from the rear member70 provides the tightest configuration of the second adjustmentmechanism.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first and second engagementdevice 64, 68 are swan hooks. Each of the remainders of the respectiveleft and right portions 61, 65 of the chest band 60 comprises engagersin the form of a plurality of, e.g. equally-spaced, pockets configuredto receive the respective swan hook to adjust the length of the chestband 60.

Other configurations may be employed to provide the first and secondadjustment mechanisms. For example, the second plurality of engagers 67may be configured to engage with the first engagement device 64 and/orvice versa, so that the free ends 62, 66 of the left and right portions61, 65 of the chest band 60 cross over each other at the rear of thesports bra 1 (not shown). In an example, one of the left and rightportions 61, 65 of the chest band 60 may comprise an aperture betweenthe plurality of engagers 63, 67 and the engagement device 64, 68,through which the other of the left and right portions 61, 65 of thechest band 60 passes (not shown).

In some embodiments, at least one of the left and right bust sections10, 20 and the rear member 70 is formed from a wicking material, such aspolyester. Preferably, the wicking material is elastic or elasticallydeformable. By way of example, at least one of the left and right bustsections 10, 20 and the rear member 70 may comprise Lycra®. Suchmaterials provide comfort and support to a wearer, whilst helping tokeep the wearer cooler during participation in physical activity. Insome embodiments, the left and right shoulder straps 40, 50 comprise thesame material as the left and right bust sections 10, 20. In someembodiments, the left and right shoulder straps 40, 50 comprise the samematerial at the rear member 70. In some embodiments, the left and rightshoulder straps 40, 50 comprise the same material as the chest band 60.In some embodiments, the left and right bust sections 10, 20 and theleft and right shoulder straps 40, 50 are integrally formed or unitary.

Cup inserts (denoted by dotted lines 18, 28 in FIG. 2) may help toimprove the bust support provided by the sports bra 1. In someembodiments, the left and right bust 10, 20 sections may be configuredto receive respective cup inserts 18, 28. For example, a bust section10, 20 may be configured to releasably secure a cup insert 18, 28 to aninner surface 11, 21 of the bust section 10, 20. Cup inserts 18, 28 canalso assist in improving the aesthetic of the sports bra 1, which mayhelp to encourage teenagers to wear the sports bra 1 and thereforeparticipate in physical activity.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, at least part of each of the left andright bust sections 10, 20 comprises an inner lining on the respectiveinner surface 11, 21. The inner lining can be of a material to assist inwicking moisture away from the skin of the wearer. In this embodiment,the linings of the left and right bust sections 10, 20 each comprise anopening 16, 26. Each opening 16, 26 is for receiving a respective cupinsert 18, 28. The cup inserts 18, 28 are selectively insertable by auser. The cup inserts 18, 28 may be formed from a soft, pliablematerial. The cup inserts 18, 28 may help to improve the bust supportprovided by the sports bra 1.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a kit comprising asports bra 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and aplurality of cup inserts 18, 28 for insertion in the bust sections 10,20. The cup inserts 18, 28 may be of different sizes. The wearer mayselect suitably sized cup inserts 18, 28 for insertion in the bustsections 10, 20 based on their bust size.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples ofthe invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. Forexample, various types of adjustment mechanisms could be used to adjustthe length of the rear member 70 and the chest band 60. It is to beunderstood that any feature described in relation to any one embodimentmay be used alone, or in combination with other features described, andmay also be used in combination with one or more features of any otherof the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments.Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may alsobe employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which isdefined in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A brassiere comprising: left and right bustsections, each comprising a top section and a bottom section; a rearmember having a first end and a second end; left and right shoulderstraps connecting the top section of each of the left and right bustsections to the first end of the rear member; a chest band connectingthe bottom section of each of the left and right bust sections to thesecond end of the rear member; and first and second adjustmentmechanisms for adjusting a length of the chest band, wherein the firstand second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first andsecond sides of the second end of the rear member.
 2. A brassiereaccording to claim 1, wherein the second end of the rear membercomprises one or more channels, and wherein the chest band is configuredto pass freely through the one or more channels to connect the chestband to the second end of the rear member.
 3. A brassiere according toclaim 2, wherein the chest band comprises left and right portionsextending from the respective left and right bust sections to the secondend of the rear member, wherein a free end of the left portion of thechest band is configured to pass through a first channel of the one ormore channels, fold back on a remainder of the left portion of the chestband, and releasably attach to the remainder of the left portion of thechest band to provide the first adjustment mechanism, and wherein a freeend of the right portion of the chest band is configured to pass througha second channel of the one or more channels, fold back on a remainderof the right portion of the chest band, and releasably attach to theremainder of the right portion of the chest band to provide the secondadjustment mechanism.
 4. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms providesadjustment of the length of the chest band in discrete intervals.
 5. Abrassiere according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first andsecond adjustment mechanisms provides adjustment of the length of thechest band in discrete intervals; wherein the left portion of the chestband comprises a first plurality of engagers arranged at intervals onthe remainder of the left portion of the chest band, and a firstengagement device at the free end of the left portion of the chest bandfor engaging with any one of the first plurality of engagers; andwherein the right portion of the chest band comprises a second pluralityof engagers arranged at intervals on the remainder of the right portionof the chest band, and a second engagement device at the free end of theright portion of the chest band for engaging with any one of the secondplurality of engagers.
 6. A brassiere according to claim 5, wherein eachof the first plurality of engagers is a receiver that is configured toreceive and retain the first engagement device, and each of the secondplurality of engagers is a receiver that is configured to receive andretain the second engagement device.
 7. A brassiere according to claim5, wherein each of the first and second engagement devices comprises aswan hook, and the first and second pluralities of engagers comprisepockets to receive the respective swan hook.
 8. A brassiere according toclaim 1, wherein the left and right bust sections are joined by areleasable fastener.
 9. A brassiere according to claim 8, wherein thereleasable fastener comprises a locking mechanism.
 10. A brassiereaccording to claim 8, wherein the releasable fastener comprises a zip.11. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the rear member isconfigured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between thefirst end and the second end of the rear member.
 12. A brassiereaccording to claim 11, wherein the rear member comprises a slider foradjusting the length of the rear member.
 13. A brassiere according toclaim 1, wherein the left and right shoulder straps are adjustable inlength.
 14. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the chest bandcomprises elastic.
 15. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein each ofthe left and right bust sections comprises a wicking material.
 16. Abrassiere according to claim 1, wherein the brassiere is a sportsbrassiere.
 17. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein each of theleft and right bust sections is configured to receive a cup insert. 18.A brassiere according to claim 17, wherein each of the left and rightbust sections comprises an inner lining comprising an opening to receivethe cup insert.
 19. A kit comprising: a brassiere comprising: left andright bust sections, each comprising a top section and a bottom section;a rear member having a first end and a second end; left and rightshoulder straps connecting the top section of each of the left and rightbust sections to the first end of the rear member; a chest bandconnecting the bottom section of each of the left and right bustsections to the second end of the rear member; and first and secondadjustment mechanisms for adjusting a length of the chest band, whereinthe first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respectivefirst and second sides of the second end of the rear member, whereineach of the left and right bust sections is configured to receive a cupinsert, and a plurality of cup inserts for insertion in the bustsections of the brassiere, wherein the plurality of cup inserts are ofdifferent sizes.